Rodney Arthur Nelson

He was born February 1, 1940 in Ely, Minnesota to Arthur and Edna Nelson. During his youth, he was active in many sports and was quarterback of his high school football team. After attending a junior college in Minnesota, he received a football scholarship to Southern Oregon College in Ashland, Ore. It was there he met his wife, Susan at a high school dance and they married November 16, 1963 in Ashland.

Rodney was a teacher for 33 years at Jackson Elementary School in Medford, Ore. He enjoyed golfing, walking, and reading mystery novels. Rodney also enjoyed his yearly trips to the coast with his wife, Susan. He kept a large garden and grew delicious tomatoes. He served in the National Guard of Oregon and was a member of the Ashland Elks Club. He spent much of his retirement golfing at the Rogue Valley Country Club and caring for his special-needs daughter, Sarah. Together, they enjoyed shopping for Barbies and having lunch at Burger King. Rodney also loved reading to all four of his grandsons and watching classic movies and sporting events with them.

Rodney is survived by his brother, Jon Nelson of Ashland, Ore.; his wife, Susan Nelson of Ashland, Ore.; daughters, Korrina and Sarah Nelson of Ashland, Ore., Maureen Nelson of Manitoba, Canada, and Mary Moore (Jeff) of Shady Cove, Ore.; sons, Andrew Nelson of Ashland, Ore. and Joseph Nelson (Amy) of Gray, Georgia; grandchildren, Aiyana Nelson, Easton and Liam Nelson, and Ivan and Niko Moore; and nieces, Melissa and Nichole Nelson. He was preceded in death by his parents and two sons, Michael and Dale Nelson.